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Kusile Madlela Sports Reporter
FAZAK Zimbabwe won the triangular Old Mutual Raj Modi T20 Under-13 Cricket Cup at the Heath Streak Academy in Bulawayo yesterday when they beat South Africa’s Ian Smith Academy by 19 runs.Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 134-6 with Sakhumuzi Ndlela top scoring with an unbeaten 46 while Ricky Shozako ably supported him with 44. In reply South Africa were restricted to 115-6 with Braydan Hicks making the most notable contribution of 30 runs. Dylan Day scored 20.

Fazak Zimbabwe comprised players affiliated to the Heath Streak Academy while the South African team is from the Ian Smith Academy. The Botswana team was from the Pepsi Academy.

Fazak Zimbabwe won two matches on their way to the final against a South African side that had won all its matches. The triangular series final was graced by Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who hailed the academy for its bold contribution to sport and recreation for the country’s youths.

“I’m really happy to see what the Heath Streak Academy is doing here. They’re playing a very pivotal role in the development of sport. Having teams coming from other countries in the region is a great honour because it exposes our children to competition on an international level. The efforts of the academy are welcomed by the government as they keep children occupied and restrained from going astray,” said Mnangagwa.

He said efforts from the corporate world were welcome as they are in line with the government’s economic blueprint Zim-Asset which demands that businesses should give back to communities they operate from.

“Old Mutual and Raj Modi are making great strides in uplifting the communities through their financial support. They are in line with the goal of Zim-Asset and we encourage other companies to emulate them and support the youth in sports regardless of which discipline they are in. Sport is a big part of community building and the government will continue supporting such initiatives,” said Mnangagwa. Streak shared some of his plans for the tournament and vision of the academy for the future.

“We’re very happy to be holding such a welcome initiative which has seen other teams from South Africa and Botswana joining us on our first anniversary,” said Streak.

“It’s good that as the hosts we managed to win, but I should point out that this is much more than just a competition but building sport from the grassroot. We can’t have weak youth teams and expect a strong national side. The base must be strong in order for the structure to stand, which is what we must do with our youths,” said Streak.

He also indicated that the tournament would be an annual event and more academies from around the region would be invited to participate.

“We will hold this event yearly and people should expect to see more teams coming from different countries in the region. Our programmes at the academy incorporate all schools, including those from the western suburbs. They should not feel marginalised as they are fully involved in our programmes and we will continue to support them because sport doesn’t discriminate,” said Streak.

Results:

Cup Final: Zimbabwe 134-6 (Ricky Shozako 44, Sakhumuzi Ndlela 46 not out), South Africa 115-6 (Braydan Hicks 30, Dylan Day 20).

Saturday: Zimbabwe 147-5, Botswana 38 all out. South Africa 113-2, Zimbabwe 112-3. Botswana 46, Zimbabwe 45 (Botswana won by 1 run).

Sunday: South 58-2, Botswana 56 all out. Zimbabwe 106-6, South Africa 105-6 (Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets). Zimbabwe 150, Botswana 131-7 (Zimbabwe won by 19 runs).